A New Jersey home burglary turned into a driveway car theft after police said two suspects entered a house through an unlocked door and stole vehicle keys from inside.
Nutley police responded to a home on Carrie Court shortly before 1:30 a.m. on June 23 after a stolen vehicle was reported, according to The Observer.
Investigators later learned the suspects had entered the victim’s home, taken keys for a vehicle parked in the driveway, and driven off with it.
A locked car may not stop a theft if the house is unlocked and the keys are near an entryway. Once someone steps inside, keys, fobs, wallets, purses, and garage remotes left in plain view can turn a short break-in into a stolen vehicle report.
The Suspects Were Caught on Home Surveillance
Police said the homeowner’s surveillance cameras captured the vehicle the suspects arrived in. Investigators described it as a gray BMW X5 with LED lighting on the front grille and door handles.
Police said the homeowner’s surveillance cameras captured the vehicle the suspects arrived in. Investigators described it as a gray BMW X5 with LED lighting on the front grille and door handles, and said the two suspects wore dark clothing and facial coverings.
Police Have Increased Patrols in the Area
The Nutley Police Department’s Detective Bureau is actively investigating the burglary and vehicle theft, and police said patrols have been increased in the area.
Anyone with information that could help investigators is being asked to call Nutley police at 973-284-4940.
Keys Near the Door Can Turn Into the Target
Driveway car thefts can move quickly when keys or fobs are left near a kitchen counter, mudroom, hallway table, garage entry, or front door. A thief who finds them within seconds does not need to search the whole house or break into the vehicle outside.
Homeowners should lock exterior doors overnight, move keys and fobs away from entry points, and avoid leaving wallets, purses, garage remotes, or spare keys where they can be grabbed quickly. If a vehicle is stolen after a home entry, police and insurers will usually need the vehicle information, key status, camera clips, and a list of anything else missing from the house.